Oprah & Tolle Discuss Chapter 8: "The Discovery of Inner Space"

Chapter 8 of A New Earth is all about being able to find inner space, and therefore, peace. Tolle makes the point that “nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living” (pg. 225); and with detachment comes inner space.

Tolle describes inner spaces as “...a silence, a subtle peace deep within you, even in the face of something seemingly bad.” (pg. 226). We are told to begin to rise above thought to create inner space by ceasing the endless chatter in our minds and practicing stillness. There are many ways out there for us to end the thoughts that constantly bounce around our brains, but there is a difference between rising above our thoughts and falling below them. Watching television, drinking alcohol, or taking certain other drugs may quiet our minds for a certain time frame, but Tolle warn us that they ultimately cause you to lose consciousness and actually fall below thought.

So how can we rise above our thoughts and find inner space? We recognize the beauty, kindness, and goodness in the small things that surround us. If you’ve ever enjoyed the sound of the wind or rain, seen the beauty of the clouds in the sky, or wanted to help a stranger for nothing in return, then you’ve found inner space for at least a moment. Being aware of our breath is another simple way to take attention away from thinking and create space. Read chapter 8 in A New Earth to find out more about inner space.

Discussion of Chapter 8 in A New Earth:

Here are some thoughts to ponder (and share) regarding Chapter 8:

"Being detached does not mean that you cannot enjoy the good that the world has to offer. In fact, you enjoy it more. … When you are detached, you gain a higher vantage point from which to view the events in your life instead of being trapped inside them. You become like an astronaut who sees the planet Earth surrounded by the vastness of space and realizes a paradoxical truth: The earth is precious and at the same time insignificant" (p. 225) What does this mean to you?

Are there any tips you can offer on how to approach things from the outside? Tell Us.

“Stillness is really another word for space. … You are never more essentially, more deeply, yourself than when you are still. When you are still, you are who you were before you temporarily assumed this physical and mental form called a person. You are also who you will be when the form dissolves. When you are still, you are who you are beyond your temporal existence: consciousness—unconditioned, formless, eternal” (p. 255–256).

How hard is it for you to find this stillness and be comfortable with it? Have you experienced it? Tell Us.

Get Ready for Next Week, Chapter 9

In Chapter, you gained a higher vantage point from which to view your life. Next week in Chapter 9, use what you learned from Chapter 8 to discover your inner purpose. Get started on your Chapter 9 workbook here.